If we had to come up with one word to describe the all new 170 BR from Bayliner, it would have to be “affordable versatility.” (Ok, so it was two words.) There are two options packages that caught our eye. First was the ski and fish package. The second was even more exciting...a wakeboard series package. If you doubt that a 17' boat with a 115-hp motor can pull a wakeboarder, then you'll want to watch our new video test.

Bayliner 170 BR (2014-) Captain's Report

Captain's Report by Capt. Steve

We tested the 170 BR powered by a 115-hp Mercury and measured a top speed of 40.2 mph (with the Bimini down) and a best cruise of 20.6. With a 3.1 gph fuel burn, we could have kept going for 127 miles.

Now Boarding

You board the 170 BR from the aft swim platforms, of which there are two - one to either side of the outboard as usual, and I like the raised steps to more easily board from. Some may call it obsessive compulsive, and I can live with that, but I hate having to step on upholstery to board any boat. Bayliner was thoughtful enough to add a boarding step under the aft port seat cushion, however most people will dock this boat to starboard. I'd like to see a non-skid hatch cover under the seat cushions on both sides of the bench seating so matter what side you lay up against the dock you have a place to put you foot when boarding.

Bayliner seemed to focus their boarding on the port side. Both the non-skid step under the seat cushion and the re-boarding ladder are to port. Note the small steps leading up to the wide non-skid on top and the cleats are well above the "trip-zone".

Just ahead of the re-boarding ladder was a convenient grab handle, and I've seen that lacking on some other models. Our test boat also had the optional ski tow pylon fitted to the center of the transom.

Bench Seats

The aft end of the cockpit was occupied by a three or four-across bench seat (depending if they are kids or adults), and storage is reserved, as mentioned, for the starboard seat. The space under the port seat is inaccessible, and under the double wide center seat cushion is plenty of room for a carry-on cooler -- except on our test boat. In the boat we tested, the 170 BR was fitted with the optional “Ski & Fish” package that calls for an 8 gallon (30.3 L) aerated baitwell in this space. A classy touch was having the center seatback embossed with the Bayliner logo.

I'd like to see an option for snap-in/snap-out carpet if I'm going to be fishing on this boat.

Cockpit Features

The 170 has a max beam of 6'11" (5.36 m) and that allows for nearly 6' (1.8 m) of width back in the cockpit. That, in addition to nearly 28" (71.1 cm) from the bench seat to the dual bucket seats, gave the cockpit a surprising feeling of roominess. The bucket seats are not wrap-around, and that makes it easier to swivel your body in and out of the seats without having to reach under to release the seat swivel mechanism. That release, by the way, is a triangular type that lifts on one side to swivel, and the other to slide.

As is usually the case with small Bayliner boats, there is no interior fiberglass liner. That saves weight and cost. The builder has left the bulwarks open, and cargo netting has been fitted to small tie-down cleats to add storage utility to this open space. I'd like to see a coaming strip along the bottom to add even more utility. Our test boat also had rod storage in this space.

The observer gets a stereo, glove box, and drink holder. The helm is quite basic, and rightfully so, with only two gauges and fuel and battery gauges are embedded into the speedo.

I found the seats to be uncomfortably low (I am 5’8”/1.74 m with a popliteal of 16”/40.6 cm), and that makes the engine control high on the arm. The upside to the low seating is that you're looking through the windshield and not staring directly at the windshield frame. There is no flip-up bolster offered.

As part of the ski & fish package, a fish finder is fitted over what would be the second drink holder. Note the beefy windshield supports.

Bow Features

The consoles are separated by 16" (41 cm) and sole storage is located between. Inside the storage compartment is space for boards and spare items, but I'd like to see a rubber mat at the bottom to protect the equipment. The walkthrough windshield is gasketed against annoying vibrating when closed and opens against a rubber stop. I'd add a snap and strap to hold it in the open position against winds blowing it closed. I've never seen it happen but the added security makes me more comfortable.

The sole storage is in the bilge. Note the limber hole.

Here is the fishy bow with a casting deck, pedestal chair, and trolling motor.

…and it's a quick conversion to a regular bowrider when the family comes aboard.

As our test boat was fitted with the ski and fish package we had a casting deck, pedestal chair, and trolling motor. The battery for the trolling motor was located under the port console. There were the usual storage compartments under the side bow seats, and I'd add an insert to convert one, or both, to facilitate use as fishboxes. I was able to convert the bow area from the fish package to a normal bow rider in a little under three minutes.

Handling

The handling of the 170 is textbook Bayliner. That is to say that it's not only safe but very docile. Powered by a Mercury 115-hp outboard, when I entered a turn the 170 bled off speed to prevent occupants being thrown off to one side, and in fact, there's little need to be hanging on. Between the bank of the turn, and the slowing speed, it's just a simple ride around to a different direction.

I got about a 17-degree bow rise when hitting the throttle to get on place but because the bow is so close I lost no visibility.

Trim is basic and once you get up on plane you just start trimming up. You'll see the spray move from below the helm, back to the quarters, and feel the boost in speed. You'll also feel the steering loosen up a bit, and then you know you've hit the sweet spot. If you go any further, you'll ventilate the prop, and then you just have to back down a notch or two on the trim switch.

Here is what the 170 looks like with the trim fully down. Notice the spray next to the helm.

Trim up and the spray moves back and then disappears. Now you're in the "sweet spot".

The Test

You can get the complete test results by clicking on the "test" tab at the top of this page, but for the highlights…I reached a top speed of 40.2 mph at 6000 rpm. At that speed I measured a 10.6 gph fuel burn and a range of 72 miles. Best cruise was 20.6 mph with a 3.1 gph fuel burn for a range of 127 miles.

We had a surprisingly quick time to plane of 2.9 seconds and reached 30 mph in 9.4 seconds.

But Wait, There's More….

Bayliner also offers the 170 with a Flight Series package for wakeboarding. Really? Wakeboarding with a 17.5' (5.33 m) boat with just a 115 on the transom? I went and found someone wanting to give it a try (alright, not a hard search) and set out to see for myself.

Sure enough, I pulled the 200 lb. (90.7 kg.) rider up on top before the prop wash even reached him. While he cranked back and forth I was able to keep a nice straight track, and the 170 even produced enough wake to allow him to get some decent air under the board. So, go figure, a wake tower is a viable consideration in this Bayliner 170 afterall.

A picture is worth a thousand words. The 170 had no trouble pulling this 200 lb. (90.7 kg.) boarder up in no time.

Our test boat was fitted with a 115 Merc, but the alternative option is a 125-hp DFI, Mercury Optimax. Our Merc 115 seemed to be plenty up to the task.

All said I had a lot of fun testing the 170 BR. A lot of people think that a test captain would be bored with a boat like this but the opposite is true. It responds so well to inputs from the helm, that you really become a part of the operation. Almost as if the boat is an extension of yourself.

Bayliner 170 BR (2014-) Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Bayliner 170 BR (2014-) is 20.6 mph (33.2 kph), and the boat gets 6.74 miles per gallon (mpg) or 2.87 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 127 miles (204.39 kilometers).

Bayliner 170 BR (2014-) Warranty

Bayliner 170 BR (2014-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.

Hull Warranty

Years

Limited Lifetime Structural

Transferable

Yes

Certifications

NMMA Certification

Yes

Bayliner 170 BR (2014-) Price

Bayliner 170 BR (2014-) Price

Pricing Range

$16,399.00

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.